How a popular teen show is skyrocketing streams for big and indie artists alike

The Summer I Turned Pretty has spent its last 3 seasons blending TV drama with the perfect songs to create iconic and lasting scenes. In its latest season, Olivia Rodrigo’s “Lacy” is used as Belly, the protagonist, reflects on her boyfriend’s love affair with a girl of the same name. Although showrunner Jenny Han frequently selects contemporary pop artists (namely Taylor Swift), she often includes a variety of genres too. When Belly’s love interest, Conrad, is shown yearning for her, indie band Royel Otis’ cover of The Cranberries’ “Linger” is heard playing in the background. In another emotionally charged scene between the couple, Sufjan Steven’s “Mystery of Love” is played. From Bleachers to Franz Ferdinand to New Order, recently released season 3 in particular has featured a range of artists that aren’t mainstream. 

Han’s choices in music impact more than just the captivating energy of her show. Many of the tracks included have boosted in popularity after being featured. According to Billboard, “Mystery of Love” rose 163% in streams, and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Lacy” rose 62%, after their inclusion in episode 2 of the new season. The Summer I Turned Pretty does more than harness music to shape its emotional power – it’s actively shaping the industry it pulls from, producing a sort of pop culture symbiotic relationship that exists at the intersection between entertainment and music.